2009 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,693 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 34 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMay 29, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module (PSCM) and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Campaign 14V284000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentSep 3, 2010
MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.
MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.
Campaign 10E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
1,693 reports, newest first.
Steering, Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a loss of power steering assist. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where the contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 91,300.
Steering, Jan 26, 2023
The power steering suddenly stopped working. I checked for recall and there was one- however it says not for my vehicle- but others of the exact year, make and model. It concerns me that a problem was identified yet they might not be fixing every vehicle it effects. I highly doubt it is a coincidence that this exact issue is happening to my car that has happened to so many others of the same model/year out of the blue.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 19, 2023
Electric power steering assist just stopped and car was stuck. I couldn’t move. Very scary I could went over the hill and crashed. I cannot find the receipt it was a used electric power steering column. I am afraid to drive car now because it’s used. Ryder auto specialist should have a copy. Their phone number is [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2023
Power steering just stopped working
Steering, Jan 10, 2023
I really don't understand why my vehicle is not on the recall list getting the power assist steering fixed. Ford has been my brand of vehicles for as long as I began driving and it seems like they don't give a damn about loyal customers. My wife has been in 2 minor accidents because of the faulty power assist steering . I have the exact same SUV they recalled and it is extremely dangerous for my wife when the power steering quits while driving, and it gets worse because it will just starting working again while driving with no warning what so ever. God forbid something bad happens to her because of a very dangerous defect that Ford refuses to fix. I have had to accept that Ford vehicles are no longer safe to operate,and also their corperate executives are not concerned with the lives they knowingly put at risk 24 hours a day 365 days a year. #FUFord. #Buy Dodge # pure trash
Steering, Jan 9, 2023
Power steering completely quit while driving without warning.
Engine, Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle then lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the roadway. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was turned off and the smoking ceased. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that a spring inside the piston was fractured and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 107,573. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Dec 19, 2022
This vehicles has a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist.
Steering, Nov 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while exiting a parking lot, the steering wheel became firm. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to his residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 277,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 6, 2022
Ford Motor Company "Ford" is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010. The affected vehicles have a steering torque sensor that may not be able to properly detect driver steering input. As a result, the system could remove the Electric Power Steering "EPS" assist. Consequence: If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the power steering control module "PSCM" and the instrument cluster module, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of the torque sensor signal or fault codes relating to the PSCM when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, the affected components will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 18, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S05.
Steering, Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact that while accelerating, the steering wheel started operating normally. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the power steering control module (PSCM) needed to be replaced; and advised the contact to contact the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and also stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was 270,000.
Steering, Oct 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The steering assist fault light is illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,224.
Steering, Oct 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while pulling into a parking lot, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to park the vehicle. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
Steering, Oct 18, 2022
I simply pulled into gas station and as leaving, the power steering went out. I could not turn the vehicle easily. I made sure vehicle was in gear and tried to navigate safely off very busy road. There was no warning or lights or notices prior. The mechanic told me the entire steering column needed to be replaced.
Steering, Oct 17, 2022
In 2014 I contacted Ford they said they did a computer flash. It was a recall but they did a computer flash well oct 13 2022 that flash recall they did in 2014 on my power steering well it completely went out lost theory I almost killed me and my family now Ford said that you’re not gonna take care of it because they consider it was taken care of in the past please this is my second complaint no one has gotten back to me. Let me know what I can do.
Steering, Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel locked and became significantly difficult to steer. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's daughter was able to pull into a parking lot where she parked the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering column assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Service brakes, Oct 11, 2022
We are having the same problems with this vehicle as others are having under Ford recall 19S54 NHTSA identifier 19V904. Three times after applying the brakes hard the brake system required servicing because the pedal would slowly go to the floor while sitting at a traffic light. Other symptoms would be sluggish or spongy braking. The last service was at a Goodyear where the service tech commented - left front inlet abs valve sticking, activated it three times with scanner before it started to work. He informed us that there was a recall for this problem that may be applicable to out Escape. I called Ford to report it, Case number [XXX]. Will use this Goodyear appt date to answer following questions. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Oct 10, 2022
I was driving the vehicle the power steering went out. They told me it’s electric power steering. They did a computer flash in 2014.I showed it was a summary print out for a safety recall they never change the parts they just did a computer flash, and now the part is completely out and he told me you’re not gonna fix it.
Steering, Oct 3, 2022
The contact's father owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Steering, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel had started to jerk to the left. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and shifted to park and turned off and restarted the vehicle several times however, the power steering failed to return to full functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but eventually the power steering had completely failed. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced, additionally code B1342-2F PSCM internal fault had been displayed on the dealer diagnostic code reader. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) and felt that his vehicle should have been included in the recall. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.
Service brakes, Sep 17, 2022
ABS Module failure. This is a major issue with these cars and it is extremely dangerous and should be recalled. It causes brake pedal to go to the floor. There’s thousands of cases and parts are unobtainable from manufacturing because they used a one year only part because they were testing it out. There’s been recalls on other models using similar Modules but not on this model.
Steering, Sep 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall in March of 2015. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact replaced the camshaft sensor himself; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the camshaft sensor and another unknown sensor had been previously replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 166,000.
Steering, Aug 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the electrical power steering became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. The consumer stated the entire steering system would need to be replaced and the cost would be as much as $3500 to $5000+.